Marsch: USMNT U

Canada national team coach Jesse Marsch expressed contentment in his current role, despite having previously felt “devastated and angry” about losing the opportunity to coach the U.S. men’s national team to Gregg Berhalter in 2023.

In an interview with GiveMeSport published Thursday, Marsch recounted his belief that he was the frontrunner for the U.S. coaching position after discussions with the U.S. Soccer Federation.

However, the U.S. Federation unexpectedly reverted to Berhalter, who held the position for only a year before being dismissed in July 2024 after a disappointing Copa América performance. This opened the door for the hiring of Mauricio Pochettino, yet Marsch states he has no regrets about his current path.

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“U.S. Soccer made it clear to me that I was going to be the [USMNT] coach before telling me I wasn’t,” noted Marsch. “While I was devastated and angry at the time, I’m now grateful and content with where I have ended up.”

Marsch’s frustration was compounded by the fact that, during discussions with U.S. Soccer, he had to forfeit a handshake agreement to manage Leicester City, believing he was assured the U.S. position.

“I received a call from U.S. Soccer while I was literally being fingerprinted [for a visa] at Leicester,” Marsch recalled. “Ready for that job, it shifted the course of my life. I believe everything happens for a reason, and I’m satisfied with my current situation.”

“That day we had a match scheduled [against Bournemouth], and we were supposed to go to the [King Power] stadium together. Everything was settled. Leicester’s team is fantastic, and I felt terrible. It was the second time I had to back out on a club, having done the same with Southampton. In another scenario, Leicester would have been a great experience.”

ESPN reached out to the U.S. Soccer Federation for comment, but they declined.

After Berhalter’s firing in 2024, Marsch stated he had “no interest in the U.S. position,” suggesting, “Unless there’s a major change in the organization, I won’t consider that job in the future.”

The coach mentioned that he feels more aligned with the vision and values of Canada Soccer.

“Upon arriving in Canada, I sensed I had found a team, a dedicated fan base, and a country that resonates with my beliefs and values,” Marsch explained. “There’s a genuine willingness to work together within the football community to develop the sport beneficially for everyone.”

“This is not to undermine the United States; it’s just that it has many different influences and numerous egos and opinions vying for attention. Canada is more tranquil with fewer voices, displaying a collective eagerness to collaborate. There’s a broader recognition of the significance of this moment for the entire nation.”

Since taking on his role, Marsch has faced the U.S. team twice, winning both matches—once in a friendly in 2024 and again in the Concacaf Nations League third-place match last year.

Though he wishes the U.S. success and wants to see growth in the sport, he admits it’s challenging to face his home country.

“I don’t enjoy competing against the U.S. for that reason,” Marsch shared, noting he is a former U.S. international. “It often shifts the focus onto me and the U.S. Sometimes even my comments about our team are perceived as targeted at the U.S. I’ve moved past that; I genuinely want to see the U.S. thrive.”